Asaram seeks lesser jail term, cites his old age

Self-styled godman Asaram, 77, convicted of raping a minor at his ashram five years ago, has sent a mercy plea to the Rajasthan Governor seeking dilution of his life sentence “in view of his age”.

The DIG, Jodhpur Jail, has processed the plea and sought reports related to Asaram’s conviction from his home state Gujarat, Rajasthan police headquarters, Jodhpur district administration and Social Welfare Department, sources said.

The petition is being considered under article 161 of the Constitution wherein the Governor can consider a mercy petition, an official said. The dossier of reports would be finally sent to the DG, Jails, in Jaipur, he said. On April 25, an SC/ST Court had sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment till his last breath for raping the teenager at his ashram in Manai near Jodhpur on August 15, 2013.